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Saturday, 29 July 2017

Emerging Willow Emerald Damselfly

With heavy and prolonged rain forecast for this afternoon, I wanted to get out early to both visit Reculver for some birding and a look in at Nethergong to see if any Willow Emerald Damselflies could be found emerging. After having a few hours at Reculver, I left for Nethergong mid morning where it was still sunny and warm and after parking up, I had a walk along the stream checking the vegetation for any damselflies. It wasn't too long until I looked in at an area where I could see a Willow Emerald Damselfly nymph just below the surface and I hoped with a bit of patience, I could hopefully photograph it emerging. I made my self comfortable for a while and watched as the nymph seemed to spend an age just staying still and eventually, she started to move towards the reed and started to the climb to her new life. The problem at the stream is often they emerge very low down which make getting a decent angle for photographs quite tricky but today my luck was in as she climbed a little higher and I had a good view as she settled ready to emerge. I must confess that I did move a couple of reeds to get an unobstructed view but after another waiting period, I could see that she was starting to emerge. At this point, I could see the dark clouds starting to roll in which didn't look good but there were occasional glimpses of warm sunshine and I was able to take a number of photos as she successfully emerged.

Emerging Willow Emerald Damselfly (female)

If I had to complain, I wish she still had her caudal lamellae still but otherwise, it was a good emergence. As she started to expand her wings, the heavens opened which had me rushing for cover and I just hoped that she would be alright. Every now and then, I ran over from under the trees to check her progress and took a few more shots before retreating once again a little wetter than before.

Emerging Willow Emerald Damselfly (female)

In this way, I was still able to get a few photos and check her progress and thankfully, the reeds provided another shelter for her to continue to expand her wings and abdomen. With the rain now getting persistent, I decided to call it a day and after seeing the damselfly had fully emerged and was sheltered well, I made the short journey back to the car.

Emerging Willow Emerald Damselfly (female)

Its always a joy and privilege as I have mentioned before in seeing a dragonfly or damselfly emerge and start its adult life and a bonus to be able to bring photos of this rarely seen moment. Weather permitting, a few visits out during the week to maybe look for Migrant and Southern Hawker to photograph and no doubt, a few more encounters with those lovely Willow Emerald Damselflies.

It's an absolute pleasure to see such a well-documented account of one of natures miracles in action, Marc. I am delighted that you persevered in adverse conditions, but must confess to having more concern for your photographic equipment than your person!